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The economy in our subcontinent is vitally linked with the monsoon because of our water resources. At times the monsoon unleashes its fury and then we have calamities like floods. This monsoon season, there have been floods in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar and the North-East. These have caused devastation in many parts. To their credit, Rotarians have risen to the occasion, responded with relief material, shelter kits, food, clothing, medicines. I commend the Rotarians, clubs and districts who have done much to provide succour to the affected people.

Once the floods recede, rehabilitation can begin. Let us put our efforts into helping the affected people get back to normalcy. Rotary can adopt schools in the affected areas and begin rebuilding them into Happy Schools. I appeal to all Rotarians to contribute generously towards this effort to rebuild both the lives of the affected, and the schools in the affected areas.

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month. Nelson Mandela rightly said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” For young minds, education is the key to unlock the doors to their future. I commend Rotarians and clubs for the outstanding work they do in the field of education, whether it is providing e-learning facilities, making Happy Schools, providing opportunity for marginalised population to send their children to schools, offering scholarships or vocational training and skill development to young adults.

This is the need of the hour, especially for the girl child. I believe that the best ornament for a girl is a good education. This is a powerful tool in her hands that has the potential to transform not just her life but the lives of entire families. If you educate a boy you educate one person, if you educate a girl you educate a family and by ripple effect an entire village/community. Let us redouble our efforts to make our country and our zones 100 per cent literate in the coming years. Ensuring quality education is the most important thing we can do for future generations. That will allow us and them to fulfill the dream for a better world. Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. Do your best.